First Year Computing

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• First Year Computing
• University
• AP

2

• 1984

3
APCS Historically
Case Study, adhoc C
First Java
1984
1988
2004
2008
2012
1992
2000
1996
Commission, One exam A
Whats Next?
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AP Redesign Commission

• The AP Computer Science Course and Exam Review
  Commission is the first segment of an ongoing
  multi-year review cycle designed to ensure that
  the AP Computer Science program continues to
  align with college and university teaching in
  introductory-level Computer Science courses.
• Henry Walker, Owen Astrachan, Amy Briggs, Chris
  Stephenson, Charmaine Bentley, Don Allen

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AP Redesign Commission Charge

• Identify and reach consensus on knowledge and
  skills for students in a first college course
  prepare for success in higher courses
• Evidence-Centered Design develop claims about
  what APCS students know and do, evidence supports
  the claims
• Curriculum Study of college courses
• Prior knowledge needed to succeed in AP
• Instructional strategies for diverse learners

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• 2008
• AB Discontinued

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• Problem?
• Opportunity!

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• NSF, BPC

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Letter to APCS Advisory Board

• The commission is in the process of drafting
  recommendations for a future AP CS curriculum
  designed to 1.) potentially increase student
  interest and participation in computer science
  courses, 2.) continue to increase access to and
  success in AP CS courses by traditionally
  underserved students, and 3.) reflect potential
  options for which AP CS students might receive
  credit or placement.

10
Atlanta meeting

• Recommendations for a new course that were
  consistent with, or resonated with, the
  commissions recommendations
• Deepak Kumar, Tom Cortina, Mark Guzdial, Wanda
  Dann, Larry Snyder, Eric Roberts, Juan Gilbert,
  Duane Bailey, Rich Pattis, Susane Hambrusch,
  Stephen Edwards, Christine Alvarado, Fran Trees,
  Cameron Wilson, Gail Chapman, Steve Cooper,
  Harriet Taylor, Rich Kick, Chris Stephenson, Amy
  Briggs, Owen Astrachan

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• Chicago
• Faculty Colloquium
• October 2008

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Survey
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Survey
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• 2009-2010

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New Directions

• Continue to offer Computer Science A, modified to
  reflect current practice
• Original charter of APCS Redesign Commission
• Undertaken by APCS Development Committee tasked
  with creating the exam
• Pending funding from NSF
• Newly constituted commission will have an
  aggressive schedule, Phase I curriculum/course
  design done by Fall 2009, Phase II exam and
  course materials, Phase III prof. development

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• ACMs Role
• Ed Council/Board
• CSTA